Modern Languages (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish) with Foundation Year

Birkbeck, University of London
Undergraduate BA (Hons) Full-time including foundation year 4 Years Languages

UCAS Points

48 points

Avg. Graduate Salary

£30,000

About this course

Would you love to develop your understanding of the cultures and values of different countries and become a highly proficient linguist in the process? Taught by world-leading researchers, our flexible and exciting BA Modern Languages opens a window onto other cultures. This degree gives you the opportunity to specialise in one or two modern languages - from French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish - and to study the literature, history, film, thought and visual culture associated with each language.

If you take two languages, you can study one from beginner level and the other from A-level (or equivalent), allowing you to raise your language skills to near-native standard in at least one language.* Your eventual degree title will name both languages, for example, BA French and Spanish.

If you choose to study one language**, you will normally enter with at least A-level (or equivalent) in that language.

* Korean is a new addition to our languages portfolio - you can start at beginner level, but we currently only offer this language up to intermediate level.

** Please note that Italian, Korean and Japanese can currently only be taken together with another language. If you wish to study Japanese only, please see our separate page for BA Japanese Studies.

Why choose this course?

  • The study of languages allows you to better understand other people, cultures and the worlds in which they live.

  • The development of advanced communication skills and intercultural awareness is a key employability skill.

  • We also offer this course with an International Experience pathway which gives you the chance to spend a year abroad in France, Germany, Italy, Japan or Spain.

    What you will learn

    You will gain a high level of proficiency in your language(s) and develop your cultural understanding through modules exploring literature, film, popular culture, history, visual art and linguistics. In addition, we offer cross-cultural modules which allow you to analyse comparative themes across a variety of linguistic, cultural and historical contexts. At the same time, you will master transferable skills such as essay writing, presentations and reports, critical and logical thinking, and translating.

    How you will learn

    Teaching takes place in small-group seminars giving you plenty of opportunities to participate actively and interact with your peers and our experienced tutors, who are all experts in their fields. Language teaching is delivered in the target language, allowing you full immersion in your chosen linguistic area.

    This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

    Foundation Year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    Highlights

  • Ours is a community of scholars with shared interests in interdisciplinary topics and cross-cultural research.

  • We are surrounded by cultural institutes relevant to the study of languages and literature, such as the Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies, the Goethe Institute, German Historical Institute, Institut Français, Instituto Cervantes, and Japan House London.

  • We also offer a range of combined language courses in which you can study another subject, such as art history, English, law, linguistics, journalism, politics or digital media, along with learning a language and its culture too.

    Careers and employability

    This course will prepare you for career paths in fields such as:

  • teaching languages

  • banking and finance

  • publishing

  • journalism

  • the Civil Service

  • translation

  • diplomacy

  • international relations

  • the cultural sector

  • further study and research.

    • Entry Requirements

    UCAS Tariff Points 48 points

    Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time including foundation year Shown above

    Duration: 4 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: London

    Avg. Salary: £30,000

    Part-time

    Duration: 6 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: London

    Avg. Salary: £30,000

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    3412 Authors, writers and translators
    4135 Library clerks and assistants
    2471 Librarians
    2492 Newspaper and periodical broadcast journalists and reporters
    2115 Social and humanities scientists
    2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Full-time including foundation year
    Duration
    4 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    London
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Languages
    Avg. Graduate Salary
    £30,000

    Offered by

    Birkbeck, University of London

    London

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